. Dana Alonzo; . Marciana Popescu
Volume 11, Issue 4 , May 2021, , Pages 1-10
Abstract
BACKGROUND: COVID‑19 virus has resulted in significant psychological distress for manyindividuals, particularly, those in underserved communities. Social media have the potential ...
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BACKGROUND: COVID‑19 virus has resulted in significant psychological distress for manyindividuals, particularly, those in underserved communities. Social media have the potential to beone of the most effective tools for mental health campaigns, reaching wide audiences in the shortestamount of time. In this paper, the potential of harnessing social media platforms to address mentalhealth needs in underserved populations is presented. In addition, description of the preliminaryimplementation of a social media mental health campaign, the 5 × 5 campaign, is describedas an example of the feasibility and benefits of such efforts. Key implications gleaned from theimplementation process are also presented.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Utilizing a participatory approach, the 5 × 5 campaign aimed toimprove recognition of mental health symptoms, promote help seeking, and provide immediatestrategies for self‑care for individuals experiencing psychological distress related to the COVID‑19pandemic in low‑income, high‑risk communities in and around Guatemala City. Campaign contentwas promoted on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp from April 2020 to June 2020.RESULTS: Preliminary analysis of the 5 × 5 campaign demonstrated feasibility and substantialimpact with over 84,000 individuals reached by the campaigns through initial messaging and shares.CONCLUSION: The 5 × 5 highlights the feasibility of using social media campaigns for mental healthpromotion and key factors that should be incorporated in the planning of social media mental healthcampaigns aimed at promoting awareness, engaging underserved communities, and encouraginghelp seeking.